ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Parliament Passes the Protection of Human Rights  Bill, 2019 unanimously
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah appeals to all the members of Rajya Sabha to support the Protection of Human Rights  Bill, 2019
Democratic institutions cannot function amidst an environment of distrust: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah
The Rajya Sabha passed the Protection of Human Rights  Bill, 2019 unanimously today after a fervent appeal from the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah.
Clarifying on the transparency of the selection process for the Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission , Shri Amit Shah said that the selection committee was a diverse one, containing opposition leaders from both the houses in addition to the Prime Minister; Union Home Minister; Speaker, Lok Sabha and Deputy Chairperson, Rajya Sabha. A decision of such a vast and diverse committee should not be seen with distrust, said Shri Shah.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai said that the Amendment had been prepared based on the challenges faced in the last thirteen years, and will increase the efficiency of the Commission. He also said that the Modi Government is committed to the independence and autonomy of the Commission.
The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 was enacted to provide for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission , the State Human Rights Commission  and the Human Rights Courts for protection of human rights.
The NHRC has proposed certain amendments to the Act to address the concerns raised at certain global platforms. Besides this, certain State Governments have also proposed for amendment of the Act, as they have been facing difficulties in finding suitable candidates to the post of Chairperson of the respective State Commissions owing to the existing eligibility criteria to the said post.
The Protection of Human Rights  Bill, 2019, inter alia, provides
- that a person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of India;
- to increase the Members of the Commission from two to three of which, one shall be a woman;
- to include Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as deemed Members of the Commission;
- to reduce the term of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission and the State Commissions from five to three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment;
- to provide that a person who has been a Judge of a High Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the State Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of the High Court; and,
- to confer upon State Commissions, the functions relating to human rights being discharged by the Union territories, other than the Union territory of Delhi, which will be dealt with by the Commission.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Ban on Single Use Plastics
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on 12th August 2021, prohibiting manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the following identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential with effect from the 1st July, 2022:
- ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration;
- plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.
The notification also prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of plastic carry bags having thickness less than seventy-five microns with effect from 30th September, 2021, and having thickness less than thickness of one hundred and twenty microns with effect from the 31st December, 2022.Also, thirty four states/UTs had already issued notifications/orders to introduce regulations pertaining to complete or partial ban on plastic carry bags and/or identified single-use plastic items over and above Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended.
The Ministry published draft notification in Gazette of India on 11th March 2021 seeking objections and suggestions from stakeholders within a period sixty days from the date of the publication of the draft notification. The draft notification had also been brought out after prior consultation with concerned line Ministries. The final notification was published after due consideration of all the comments/suggestions received. Further, awareness programmes and capacity building workshops have been organized for stakeholders with respect to ban on identified single use plastics.
The ban on identified single use plastic items was notified vide the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021on 12th August 2021, and is in force from 1st July, 2022. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has schemes to provide support to MSME units, which includes support to such units earlier involved in manufacturing of banned single use plastic items for switching over to alternatives / other products. These schemes provide support in respect of technology upgradation, creating awareness, marketing support, infrastructural support, as per scheme guidelines.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy inspects Vadapalani Metro Station
Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North East Region  Shri G Kishan Reddy today conducted an inspection at Vadapalani Metro station in Chennai.
During his inspection, the Union Minister urged the officials to provide basic amenities to the passengers immediately. Later, he travelled by metro train from Vadapalani to Alandur. Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy interacted with the train passengers and enquired about their experiences of metro train travel.
While interacting with the media persons, the Union Minister said that on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s instructions, metro rail facility is being expanding in all cities. In this regard, the Minister said all the states have been allocated necessary funds. The Tamil Nadu government has also been allocated funds for the metro rail works, he said, adding that funds are also being allocated for additional works.
He further informed that while the works are being carried out in all the major cities in India, the construction of metro has already been completed in the cities under the Phase 1 of the project and the metro rail works have already started in the cities under the Phase 2 of the project. The Managing Director of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited  Shri M A Siddique IAS also accompanied the Union Minister during the visit.
Election Commission
1st Phase of election in Manipur on 11th April
8 Candidates in fray for Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat
1,562 polling stations set up for smooth conduct of elections
Manipur goes to polls with Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency seat in Phase 1. Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituencies  will vote in Phase 2. There are 2 Parliamentary Constituencies  in Manipur.
Total number of voters in the state is 1010618, which includes 495583 males, 515022 females and 13 voters in Third Gender category. Female voters outnumber male voters in Manipur.
8 candidates will contest for one Lok Sabha seat.
There are 1,562 Polling Stations in this Phase.
11,347 service votersare eligible to cast their vote in Phase 1 polls in Manipur.
The Notification for elections in Manipur was issued on 18th March. Last date of filing nominations was 25th March. The scrutiny of nominations took place on 26th March while the last date for withdrawal of candidates was 28th March.
Ministry of Education
Union Cabinet approves the inclusion of 5 IIITs situated at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur under the IIIT  Act, 2017
Union HRD Minister expresses gratitude to the Prime Minister for facilitating the approval to boost IT related education in the country
Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of Indian Institute of Information Technology  situated at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur under the IIIT  Act, 2017 Today in New Delhi. Incorporation thereof under the IIIT Act, 2017 will give them legal standing as well as authority to exercise powers and functions available to other similar IIITs under the Act. This will entitle them to use the nomenclature of Bachelor of Technology  or Master of Technology  of Ph.D degree as issued by a University or Institution of National Importance. It will enable these institutes to attract enough students required to develop a strong research base in the country in the field of Information Technology.
Union Minister for Human Resource and Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for facilitating the approval. He said that this step will enable these institutions to boost Information & Technology related education in the country.
Out of these, IIIT at Bhopal, Surat and Bhagalpur have started their academic session from 2017-18, Agartala in 2018-19 and Raichur in 2019-20 only. At present the number of students which will get benefitted from this amendment are about 1600. However, these institutions are at nascent stage only and after having full strength in future, this will benefit as many as about 5000 students.
Indian Institute of Information & Technology are envisaged to promote higher education and research in the field of Information Technology. Establishment of Indian Institute of Information Technology in public-private partnership mode is a unique feature of Government of India where contribution to the capital cost is also being borne by Industry Partner and State Government apart from the Central Government.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah pays tributes to venerable Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji on his Jayanti today
“As a social reformer, spiritual leader and strong advocate of equality & brotherhood, Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji played an instrumental role in setting up the foundations for social reform in Kerala against discrimination and injustice”
“Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji's relentless effort and contribution towards the empowerment & education of the downtrodden can never be forgotten.”
“Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji's philosophy, teachings and thoughts will continue to enrich the lives of millions across the length & breadth of the country”
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah paid tributes to venerable Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji on his Jayanti today. In a tweet, Shri Amit Shah said, “As a social reformer, spiritual leader and strong advocate of equality & brotherhood, he played an instrumental role in setting up the foundations for social reform in Kerala against discrimination and injustice.”
The Union Home Minister said, “Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji's relentless effort and contribution towards the empowerment & education of the downtrodden can never be forgotten. His philosophy, teachings and thoughts will continue to enrich the lives of millions across the length & breadth of the country.”
Cabinet
Cabinet Approves Export of Akash Missile System and Creates a Committee for faster Approval of Exports
Under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms and missiles. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation.
Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army.
After its induction in the Services, interest is shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Def Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries.
So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal. This initiative of the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive.
The export version of Akash will be different from System currently deployed with Indian Armed Forces.
Besides Akash, there is interest coming in other major platforms like Coastal Surveillance System, Radars and Air platforms. To provide faster approvals for export of such platforms, a Committee comprising of Raksha Mantri, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor has been created.
This Committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries. The Committee would also explore various available options including the Government-to-Government route.
Government of India intends to focus on exporting high value defence platforms, to achieve target of 5 Billion USD of defence export and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.
Ministry of Railways
“Doodh Duronto” from Renigunta transports 10 Crore Litres of Milk to the National Capital
A total of 2502 Milk tankers transported through 443 trips till date
So far, 2,502 milk tankers operated in 443 trips of these special trains transporting more than 10 Crore litres of milk.
Transportation of Milk through “Doodh Duronto” special trains from Renigunta of Andhra Pradesh to the National Capital has crossed ten crore litres mark. Right from the date of introduction on 26th March, 2020, these special trains were operated by South Central Railway on uninterrupted basis and till date, 2502 Milk tankers were transported through 443 trips.
Transportation of Milk by rail from Renigunta to New Delhi has been very important and crucial to meet the essential needs of the Nation. Prior to Covid-19, Milk tankers were being attached to weekly Superfast Trains to cater the milk needs of the people in New Delhi and surrounding regions. When Lockdown was implemented in the country, to supplement the cause, South Central Railway has started unique concept of operating “Doodh Duronto” special trains by exclusively attaching Milk tankers. The Zone has been operating these trains on par with Mail express trains by covering the distance of 2300 Kms from Renigunta to H. Nizamuddin station within a reasonable time of 30 hours.
Doodh Duronto specials are run normally with 06 Milk tankers, each milk tanker having a capacity of 40,000 liters i.e., totaling to 2.40 lakh liters of milk in a train. So far, 2,502 milk tankers have been operated in 443 trips of these special trains transporting more than 10 crore liters of milk. The Officials of Guntakal Division are in constant touch with the freight customers who are offering the loading of milk and have been attending to their requirements so that there is no hindrance in operation of the trains. Since introduction of this novel initiative, these trains have been operated continuously during peak Covid times and is also being continued further to balance the supply chain of the essential commodities.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Suresh Prabhu lauds Telecom Commission’s decision to allow in-flight connectivity
Promises earliest implementation with close Follow-Up
Sh. Suresh Prabhu, Minister for Civil Aviation has welcomed the Telecom Commission’s approval for offering in-flight connectivity within Indian airspace. He said that the decision would enable flyers to avail data and voice services during flights over Indian airspace and the government will now work towards creating the license framework for a special category of service providers called ‘In-flight connectivity provider.
He said that these developments mean that airlines are now equipped to bring dramatic, yet cost effective, enhancements to the passenger experience –with passengers ordering products from their phones and tablets and arranging to have them delivered to their homes, or the hotel on arrival at their destination. He said that connectivity to the ground means cabin crews can help passengers to change their onward transit plans to accommodate for changes to their flight, while they are still in the air.
Sh. Prabhu assured that he will ensure earliest implementation and complimented those involved in the decision. Re-iterating the government’s commitment in improving the services to air passengers he stated that a new India is in the making under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi where everything is undergoing a positive transformation, from mindsets to methodologies.
RJ/SB
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Ministry of Defence
Shri Giridhar Aramane assumes the office of Defence Secretary
Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service  officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, assumed the office of Defence Secretary on November 01, 2022. Before taking charge, Shri Aramane laid a wreath at National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He saluted the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation.
“We draw inspiration from these bravehearts and promise to work towards fulfilling their dream of making India a safe & prosperous country,” Shri Aramane said during his visit to the National War Memorial.
In his 32 years of experience in IAS, Shri Aramane has held various important portfolios in the Central Government as well as Andhra Pradesh government. Prior to his current assignment, Shri Aramane was Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Earlier, he was Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat. Apart from Cabinet Secretariat, Shri Aramane looked after Exploration Division in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and was Executive Director in-charge of inspections in Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority.
In the Andhra Pradesh Government, Shri Aramane had served as Principal Secretary in Urban Development Department; Managing Director of AP State Finance Corporation and Secretary . He also held the post of the Collector & DM of Chittoor and Khammam districts.
Shri Aramane did B Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad and M Tech from IIT, Madras. He is MA  from Kakatiya University, Warangal.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi participates in “Guruparb” in Hyderabad
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said here that despite different religions, culture and various form of worship, India is an example of "unity in diversity" and the culture of tolerance, harmony, peace and brotherhood is at the core of all the religions.
Addressing on the occasion of “Guruparv” of Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj, organized by Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Hyderabad, Shri Naqvi said that Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj’s message of tolerance, harmony, peace and brotherhood has become even more relevant today.
Shri Naqvi said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government is working firmly with commitment to "Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat”. We should not allow any conspiracy to succeed in disturbing the country’s unity.
HK/AK
Ministry of Defence
Naval Commanders at Kochi for OP Discussions
Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff will be in Kochi tomorrow  to preside over the debrief of largest War Game of the Indian Navy - the Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise . The exercise had commenced 07 Jan 19 and was planned to be terminated by 10 Mar 19. However, the JEM sponsored terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on 14 Feb 19 led to the rapid redeployment of the Indian Navy for Operations in North Arabian sea.
The major combat units of the Indian Navy including the Carrier Battle Group with INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines and scores of other ships, submarines and aircraft swiftly transited from exercise to operational deployment mode as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. A clear and resolute message regarding the operational posture of the Indian Navy to prevent, deter and defeat any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain was also issued during the tri-services press conference conducted on 28 Feb 19.
About 60 ships of the Indian Navy, 12 ships of the Indian Coast Guard and 60 aircraft were part of TROPEX 19. Amongst the key attributes of Naval forces are the 'Versatility' to change roles, 'Mobility' and 'Poise'. Availability of such a large number of combat ready assets in the theatre of operations for TROPEX 19 allowed the Indian Navy to expeditiously respond to the developing situation in synergy with the three services. The overwhelming superiority of Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean.
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Earlier, TROPEX 19 had commenced with Tri-services Amphibious Exercise in the A & N islands with participation of Army and Air Force. This was followed by the largest Coastal Defence Exercise code named SEA VIGIL' on 22 Jan and 23 Jan 19 with participation of all 13 Coastal States and Union Territories along with all maritime stakeholders. The TROPEX itself was thus far the largest in terms of geographical spread covering the IOR and also with regard to the number of participating units.
This day long review of TROPEX 19 by the Chief of the Naval Staff with all Operational Commander's is intended to examine the conduct of the exercise and to assess the operational preparedness of the Indian Navy. A realistic audit of the Indian Navy's deployment philosophy and fighting capability would also be undertaken. The lessons learnt from the exercise will provide the planners accurate assessments to fine tune force structuring requirements, operational logistics, as also material and training imperatives.
DKS/AC
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Ministry of Mines
Steps Initiated for Sustainable Mining
Before execution of mining lease under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957, every mine is required to obtain statutory clearances from various departments of the Central Government and respective State Governments, including Environmental Clearance and Forest Clearance. Environmental Clearance is issued based on the Environment Impact Assessment of the mine.
To reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint associated with mining, Chapter V of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules  2017, prescribes rules for sustainable mining; removal and utilisation of top soil; storage of overburden, waste rock etc.; precaution against ground vibrations; control of surface subsidence; precaution against air pollution; discharge of toxic liquid; precaution against noise; and restoration of flora etc.
Ministry of Mines through Indian Bureau of Mines has instituted the system of Star Rating for evaluation of sustainability footprints while conducting prospecting, mining, beneficiation or metallurgical operations in an area. Under Rule 35 of MCDR 2017, every lessee is mandated to obtain at least three star rating within four years from 28.02.2017 or date of commencement of mining operations and thereafter maintain the same on year on year basis.
Further, as per Rule 26 of MCDR 2017, every holder of a mining lease has the responsibility to ensure that the protective measures including reclamation and rehabilitation works have been carried out in accordance with the approved mine closure plan or with such modifications as approved by the competent authority.
Mining leases are encouraged to generate and use green energy. In this regard Indian Bureau of Mines has taken up a sample survey of 293 mines to map the installation of renewable energy plants and electricity consumption at the mine sites across the country. It was noted in the survey that total installed renewable energy plant capacity at these mine sites is approx. 583 Megawatts .
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.